THE company that manages Stockton's 11,400 council houses has won praise from Government inspectors.

Tristar Homes delivers a good customer-focused housing service with promising prospects for improvement, according to the report by the Audit Commission.

Reporting on the inspection, which took place last month, the commission says Tristar is a "progressive organisation whose priorities reflect residents' views as well as regional and national agendas".

The report adds: "It involves residents closely in making decisions and offers customers support in managing their rent accounts.

"The company responds well to complaints of anti-social behaviour and keeps estates clean and tidy."

Tristar is currently in the undergoing a £163m refurbishment programme of its housing under the Government's Decent Standard scheme.

The service has improved from its previous "fair" rating last year to its current rating of "good".

Tristar's managing director, Steve Boyd, said: "This achievement clearly shows we are delivering a good service and improving all the time.

"I'm delighted with the news, particularly for our customers.

"We have made significant progress since our last inspection, and the Audit Commission found high levels of customer satisfaction, which clearly demonstrates how our work to make services better is paying off.

"It is a great step forward to be rated 'good' but we want to keep improving and achieve the highest possible standard of excellence."